Interview: Tetsuya Yamamoto of Nikon

Tetsuya Yamamoto, General Manager of Nikon’s Development Headquarters within its Imaging Division. (Image courtesy Nikon Inc.)

At this year’s International CES show in Las Vegas, we spoke to Tetsuya Yamamoto, General Manager of Nikon’s Development Headquarters within its Imaging Division. We discussed the market’s reaction to the 1 J1 and V1, and how the system might evolve in the future.

According to Yamamoto, Nikon has been pleased with the success of the 1 System, especially the J1, in the American market but that even before the system's launch 'we were very confident that there were customers out there who would gravitate towards the V1 and the J1'.

He told us that the sort of people buying the J1 and V1 are those customers that 'want a DSLR but don’t want something big and heavy’. He went on, '1 System customers like the fast AF and the size of the cameras and lenses, and once they’ve used [new features like] Motion Snapshot they really like them'.

1 System sensor 'capable of 2K / 4K video'

Yamamoto told us that Motion Snapshot, which combines a still image with slow motion video in a single capture is a feature that Nikon is keen to improve in the next generation of 1 System cameras. There’s good news, potentially for videographers too - according to Yamamoto 'the [J1 and V1’s] sensor is capable of 2K (2048×1080px) and 4K (~4000px horizontal resolution) video and in the future we hope to incorporate [these functions]'.

'We are going to develop brighter lenses for better total performance'

Also on the agenda for future 1 System products it appears, are improvements to their innovative 'Hybrid' AF systems, which combine conventional contrast-detection AF with a faster phase-detection system, all using the main 10MP imaging sensor.

The key, according to Yamamoto, is faster lenses. He told us 'we want to develop higher speed AF, and specifically to improve phase-detection AF from the imaging sensor. This depends on lens aperture – if the lens [has a larger aperture] then AF is much faster'. In the future, he told us, 'we are going to develop brighter lenses for better total performance – brighter but still small'.

The Nikon 1 J1 and V1 are built around a one-inch 10MP CMOS sensor that is capable of both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF. The EVF-equipped V1 is aimed at a slightly higher level than the J1 but both are essentially intended to be used as point-and-shoot cameras.

The Nikon 1 V1 pictured with the currently available 1 System lenses - (from right to left) the 10-30mm F3.5-5.6 VR, the 30-110mm F2.8-5.6 VR, the 10mm F2.8 pancake and the (comparatively) enormous 10-100mm F4.5-5.6 VR powerzoom.

Still on the subject of Hybrid AF, which switches between contrast-detection and phase-detection AF modes automatically depending on light level, we asked Yamamoto why Nikon made this system entirely automatic. 'We are studying [manual AF mode control] for the future' he told us: 'for V1-class cameras we would like to do this manually but [AF mode selection in] J1-level models will remain automatic'.

Also potentially on the horizon for future 1 System models, Yamamoto told us, are in-camera NEF (raw) conversion, and in-camera 'Effects'. Asked why the first two functions were omitted from the J1 and V1, Yamamoto explained 'the J1 and V1 are in a new category, and [for these initial releases] we wanted to [focus on] enhancing basic functions like AF and introduce new ones like Motion Snapshot'. In the future though, he told us, 'we are studying the inclusion of [both] in-camera effects and raw conversion'.

'We may provide an option to customize Auto ISO in the future'

During the process of creating our in-depth review of the 1 System cameras, our experience of the J1 and V1’s Automatic ISO system has been that they constantly risk blurry images in low light by selecting low ISO sensitivity settings and relatively low shutter speeds. Yamamoto assured us 'we are aware of the issue'. But, he explained - 'the target user [for the J1/v1] is a point-and-shoot customer and for that user we thought that it was better to make [the function] purely automatic'.

'We always have to find a balance [between noise and sharpness]' he went on, 'but after having a lot of discussions and getting feedback we may need to come up with another option'. Encouragingly, he added that 'we may provide an option for customers to customize Auto ISO performance in the future'.

We ended the interview by asking Mr Yamamoto for his vision of the future, and whether mirrorless cameras will replace consumer-level DSLRs. 'We don't think so' Yamamoto told us - 'mirrorless is one solution [if the aim is] compactness but it is just one approach. We don't think it is the only direction, and we are considering further reductions in size even for [our DSLR] cameras'.

It would be nice if Nikon differentiated the J1 and V1 more. The crop factor, EVF, and the for it's size excellent sensor makes the V1 one of the best portable wildlife and birding camera's when coupled to the "normal" Nikon telelenses via the the FT1 adapter. At this time however coupling to the FT1 limits the autofocus to center spot which makes flight shots very difficult . Fixing that, better customizing for ISO and PASM modes for the V1 would make it my next camera.

No matter how you guys put it it is NOT going to be a classic... Nikon tries to put a happy face and save the day but there are so many APS-C size cameras in the making by all major players that V1 and J1 was/is sinking from day one and will drown soon entirely. That's the reality. Although, maybe if they make it pink...??? (just crossed my mind...). Nah...

V1 annoying things: EVF does not show live view after images has been captured in single shot mode. This is frustrating and makes camera useless sometimes to catch moments. It is normal to show last image at LCD but EVF should act differently.

No bracketing of any kind, this is sad, it has 60fps could be nice to capture some handheld HDR-s.

2.8 fixed aperture zoom would be very welcome. 8-30 2.8 would be superb.

flash integration is ridiculous. You create a nice camera with toy flash and no connections to external systems. No even possibility to sync wirelessly. Otherwise V1 could allow to create an easy carry kit for internet products, low quality Internet real estate whatever.

I dunno.... Here is a NIKON lens (10x zoom for the V1 & J1) for a camera with a sensor just one small step of from the Fujifilm X10 & X-S1's 2/3-inch imager. So, this Nikon beast is only a modest 10x range zoom lens, but look how huge it really is, and even at its widest focal setting, this thing is an F4.5 lens!!!! Talk about the Black Hole of Calcutta, wow.

Meanwhile, the FUJINON optic on the X-S1 is 26x, and at its widest focal length it is an F2.8 lens. Huge difference in my book. Heck, up until just now I had no idea it is even POSSIBLE to build a 10x zoom lens that starts at F4.5.... and then goes gradually darker as you zoom in towards 100mm.

But it now seems that the Canikon Group is always out there to surprise us... and not always in a good way, I might add.

They got right so many things the first time: AF speed, sensor/camera size, build quality, 10 FPS with AF, colors, metering, silent shutter, very little color noise, etc. Unfortunately Nikon representatives need to do some "talk-up" since they lack in many areas: lens choice, lens speed/bokeh, ergonomics (especially V1), hot shoe, 24p, known firmware bugs etc. Nikon does not do this explaining and talk up very often but they definitely feel the heat and pressure.We will have to see if this talk will be followed by rapid actions. At this point this system is just a great start.

Yes sensor size is right, for future expansion into more useful and pocketable cameras. Nikon took one step in the right direction.

Its the lens line that need to be build and can only be developed with the passage of time. m4/3 (am big fan of them) also came with kit lenses and then expanded to something close to complete.

What I want Nikon to focus is on better sensor technologies like Fuji is experimenting with, (no worries for buildin flash of VF, take them out and make them shrink, give Hot shoe for those who need it), more accurate metering and focus (its quite good at this moment), tilting LCD like Sony NEX, and touch sensitive. Shrink the body even smaller and thinner than J1 and keep it metal and weather sealed.

Nobody said it wasn't creative, we said it wasn't the only way to be creative and not having it doesn't' mean you can't make creative images. The content of the image or the story it tells or the emotion it conveys is far more important than how much DOF it has.

'We are going to develop brighter lenses for better total performance"

Duuh, you think so, really? You mean to tell me, you will soon have the technology to develop a ZOOM LENS that can start at its wide angle end a bit faster than the current F4.5 on your 10-100mm clunker?

I don't want my DSLR to be any smaller. I need its size for comfort.I want it to be lighter tho, every generation you've added 20-30g. Note that Pentax from K20D to K7 dropped about 100g despite increased features.

People who haven't used the Nikon 1 system shouldn't comment on the camera. Having just returned from a week in Istanbul, I found the camera a worthy substitute for my D300. IQ: I placed an image in a 2013 12" x 12" calender; so we see the future of camera technology that defies physics. I have used cameras with only three controls: aperture, shutter speed and focus. I carried a hand-held light meter. They used film, which I had to process if I wanted any kind of quality. The 1 series can be used without the fancy auto settings Nikon provides the point and shooters, and without custom settings, buried in endless menus. OK, for ISO adjustment, there's a trip to the menu. But if you leave the ISO the last function accessed, it's there up front for the next time. If the auto ISO selection is too slow, use manual. No big deal. Here's a link to my images, a quick edit of the 1750 I made. File names beginning with HG were made on a Nikon D60: http://www.jimkphotographics.com/istanbul2012/

An entry level DSLR is no match for the V1. In fact, it is faster than a D7000, but of course the D7000 has some significant advantages. Still, trying to compare this camera to a D3100 or a D5100 is a poor bet.

You are making the faulty assumption every one needs a blazing fast camera. They don't. Without the need for the af speed, an entry level DSLR is far superior to the 1 series in every aspect except for weight.

?An entry level DSLR is no match for the V1. In fact, it is faster than a D7000, but of course the D7000 has some significant advantages. Still, trying to compare this camera to a D3100 or a D5100 is a poor bet."

Sorry Back in the Game, but a D5100 (has the same sensor as D7000) is superior to a V1 in every aspect except/size weight. Lets remember the V1 Autofocus is only fast in good light. Once light gets dimmer it swtiches to Contrast mode and thus is slower than an entry level DSLR in autofocus. You have no control over whether the V1 focuses in phase or contrast.

"People who haven't used the Nikon 1 system shouldn't comment on the camera."

Of course they should. Unless they are Mitt Romney rich, so they can first buy and then use every single camera and lenses ever released by anyone. And even if you are Mitt Romney rich, who has got that much time to do incessant product testing of everything under the Sun, anyhow?

"I placed an image in a 2013 12" x 12" calender."

Q: Who needs a 2013 calendar for anything, considering we had just started in the year 2012?

Although so many of us were looking forward to an APS-C sensor compact from Nikon, we just might be making too much of this small sensor vs. large sensor thing. Magnum photographer Alex Majoli used a camera with a sensor much smaller than the V1/J1 sensor -- and shot for National Geographic, Newsweek, and Vanity Fair under some pretty demanding conditions (i.e. the wars in the Congo and Iraq; the presidential elections here in the U.S.). These 'small sensor camera' images earned him some of photojournalism's most prestigious awards, including the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism Magazine Photographer of the Year Award and the U.S. Overseas Press Club's Feature Photography Award.

My point is simply this -- if he could do that with an 8 year old point and shoot that you could pick up on ebay for $100, I think we can give Nikon's cameras a fairer shake than some of us (including myself) have.

MY INTERPRETATION: In other words... you do NOT have a Sony NEX-7 camera. Good to know, too.

From a price for performance angle, you can easily spend US$1,600 for a Nikon V1 with that God-awful F4.5 and darker 10-100mm Nikon zoom lens. That's just plain wrong, as you are still having at your disposal and advanced mirrorles compact camera with a truly dark lens, nothing much else.

Nikon themselves have a number of cameras that make much better deals and a lot more sense than their unfathomable 1 Series.

Some people seem to be struggling with the idea that Nikon have 3 sensor formats, CX, DX and FX, on which to base a wide range of solutions for a wide customer base in the future. Many of their existing solutions work very well already.

Just because the combination you want is not there yet, or because you personally don't want a CX camera, so what? Why is that interesting? There are alternatives. If you want to tow a boat, don't buy a Miata.

Honestly some people here will probably complain about the length of the queue at the pearly gates.

The J1/V1 series is a great start for Nikon. I'm sure improvements will follow as discussed in this article. I didn't hear Mr. Yamamoto explain how Nikon will get the scratched zoom lens used by DPReview in their review of the FT-1 adapter to perform better, but we can always hope...

"generally" is the operative word in your reply. I just found it humorous, albeit sad, that DPReview would use an outdated, scratched lens (which was a garbage lens new) as the testing lens for a review of the 1 series FT-1 adapters. I expected better, but I'm learning that if it doesn't say "Canon" the review will be sub-par. Spoken as a true, 45+ years Nikon fan-boy.

They just released the 1 Series, and instead of pushing it as an elixir, they are already resorting to the rosy future prospects of the replacement model cameras and optics???

Someone should have asked this chap what was Nikon thinking when they released a large, cumbersome 10x zoom lens for the 1 Series cameras that starts at a dismal, darker-than-hell F4.5 iris.... and then goes even darker from there.

Anybody? I mean, if there ever was a "high noon, summer beach only" lens, this is it.

People trying to predict the future of the 1, or how Canon will enter the game, are really clutching at straws while ignoring the hard, irrefutable, unchangeable facts of the science of digital technology.

People say the sensor is too small? Rubbish.

People say that only APSC sized sensor cameras are the way forward? Also rubbish.

The sensor is small because it allows the lenses to be small. The relationship between sensor size and lens size cannot change easily.

But the sensor is big ENOUGH to offer high IQ. The result is a camera that is faster and more compact than NEX, especially with a telephoto lens.

Canon have not played their cards yet. If they offer larger sensor mirrorless, the lenses will have to be larger. For many people, that would still be advantage Nikon 1. If people want a larger camera, they will take their DSLR after all.

It would not surprise me at all if Canon took a similar direction to Nikon with a new, smaller sensor. Now that would shock people!

But the camera isn't small and the lenses aren't small either. In fact, it is thicker than the Olympus E3. Nikon could have made it smaller, but they didn't want to because smaller size is going to be one of their "updates". As it is, Nikon are offering a smaller sensor than M4/3 in a bigger body at a higher price without a built in flash and some basic controls. Wow, thanks Nikon.

Urr, thats not right. For example, the Nikon 30-110 zoom is approximately 6cm long and weighs about 175g, thats about 30% shorter and 20% lighter than the equivalent Panasonic 45-175 zoom. And its narrower.

So the lenses ARE smaller. And they have smaller lenses coming. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of the m4/3 and the Oly EP3 and I am excited about the OM-D, but lets be accurate.

The Nikon 1 is genuinely small. Genuinely interesting and superior in many ways.

This is great news. Competitors have to compete. We consumers all benefit. These are exciting times for photography fans.

Everyone can cherry pick. For example the Oly 14-42 is only 16% longer, while having a slightly smaller diameter and being a hair lighter than the Nikon 10-30. The new Panasonic (X) 14-42 has a slightly larger diameter but is both shorter and weighs less too.The Panasonic 14mm pancake has the same diameter, is slightly shorter and weighs 29% less than the Nikon 10mm pancake.Both the Panasonic 14-140 and Oly 14-150 are shorter, have a smaller diameter and are less heavy than the Nikon 10-100. Especially the Oly weighs about *half* of the Nikon.It's only the Nikon 30-110 that offers an advantage of 2.3 (Oly) to 3 (Pana) cm less length and less weight (14% less than Oly 31% less than Pana).

So yes, in general the advantage isn't shocking or simply not there, depending on which lenses you compare.

The 10-100 is a dedicated video power zoom and not really comparable. It is unfeasibly and inexplicably large though, I'll give you that !

The 30-110 is the mainsteam lens practically everyone will buy .It remains smaller than all the lenses you describe by a reasonable margin.

Besides, you miss the point. Given the smaller sensor, N1 lenses are always likely to be smaller. Its just physics.

I suspect future N1 lenses will demonstrate this better, while m4/3 lenses are really as small as they are going to ever be.

I guess the point here is that small sensors can be a GOOD thing. I instinctively push back against the accepted mantra that "small sensor = bad" and "large sensor=good". It is misleading and for millions of people, plain wrong.

Given that most people do not print large and often only view pictures on line or on an ipad, the obsession with sensor size is illogical. DoF issues aside, I congratulate Nikon on trying something new.

Yes, you're still cherry picking, because you ignore the most obvious kitlenses which cover the most used range, around 28-80mm (35mm equiv.) and you're ignoring the pancakes. Basically you're looking at one lens and make a general statement based on that: "the *lenses* are smaller.." .-And no, the N1 lenses are not always going to be smaller, which the above already proves. It completely depends on design choices. For example, whether or not power zoom is being used, register distance, collapsing designs are used, how much distortion is tolerated/corrected through software (vignetting included) etc. and last but not least, the size of the entrance pupil. For the same amount of light (same diameter of entrance pupil) and all else being equal, there shouldn't be much between them in size, but keep in mind that that would show different F stops on the lens barrels for the same 35mm equiv. FL because of the differently sized sensors.

I'm simply observing the facts. 1 out of all 4 lenses available is smaller, 3 aren't really.You say the lenses are smaller based on that 1 lens, I say they aren't smaller in general.-If you reread my post above, you'll see that there doesn't have to be a correlation, which isn't the same as saying there isn't one. Again we can both cherry pick examples to attempt to convince the other. You pick a Pentax MF, I say look at the tiny lenses on 35mm film compacts or the ones we just discussed. But cherry picking doesn't prove anything, so we fall back on physics and the catch in the last sentence from my post above. *For the same amount of light* and the same equiv. FL, all else being equal, size should be about the same too. In reality it often isn't because F stops are usually similar too, which means the lens for the smaller sensor/larger cropfactor is often still smaller. But it also allows less light (for having a smaller entrance pupil).And all else usually isn't equal.

Have only handled the V1 in the store but find there's a good deal to like. Build and layout are both excellent, as is the EVF. Focus speed, even with the kit zoom, is very impressive. I could imagine an impulse-buy were it not $800. Nevertheless I think Nikon has a winning format in the 1 system. Because it's such a closed system (no hotshoe?!?) their risk would seem in making it complete and relatively affordable over the long haul.

As to Canon's intentions, I suspect the G1X sensor represents their mirrorless system format, should they head down that path. I think they're testing the waters with this rather odd camera.

"The 30-110 is the mainstream lens practically everyone will buy."Why would practically everyone choose a telephoto zoom lens, and not the normal kit zoom (10-30mm)? Most people who buy an APS-C DSLR buy the kit with the 18-55mm lens.

I have a case to carry my V1 with 10-30 and 30-110. It is advertised to carry a NEX with a pancake lens and the 18-55. No way I'm getting two lenses in this bag with one of them having 300mm equiv reach unless it is the N1 -- not going to happen with m 4/3 or NEX. Sure, I can leave the 30-110 and go with the "most common combination" but I don't have to ;)

The people who are buying this camera don't want bokeh. They want the best point-and-shoot Nikon makes. If the picture of Mr. Yamamoto above was shot with a V1, then I bet the photographer was 20 meters away.

I agree. The biggest issue with the size of the sensor, for me, is the lack of DOF control. It's nice to get a bit of background blur or subject isolation when you want it or need it, which is really difficult to attain with such a small sensor. In a few years, when all these mirrorless cameras have great AF and great overall performance, the Nikon mirrorless system will be the one stuck with the smallest sensor and least DOF control.

I won't use a little camera if I wanted shallow DoF. I'd use medium format.

In fact, for my uses, I don't want shallow depth of field I want deep depth of field. Background blur looks too photographic, too much like a cliche.

Deep DoF is not a drawback of V1, it is a benefit.

No- Deep DoF is neither a drawback nor a benefit, it is a simple characteristic of any small camera. To excpect a small format to deliver shallow DoF is to expect a small camera to make your coffee, and to complain when it doesn't.

Do you know what Bokeh means? It is a feature of a lens, not a camera body. It describes how unfocussed areas appear, not the existence of unfocused areas.

I think it's Bunkeh. I really don't care how out of focus areas look. They have no interest to me. I want the image to appear as an image in its own right, not one that screams, hey, look at me, I am a photograph made from a camera by a photographer who is clever enough to use the focus control.

Time will show what works and what does not. I am willing to bet time will show Nikon has (once again) placed their bets on the wrong horse.

If the current BCNRanking charts in Japan are anything to go by, it shows Nikon has just effectively killed the sales of their Nikon D3100 with the V1/J1 cams... even then, their overall sales are still poor compared to their biggest competitor(s).

Okay Mr. Yamamoto, that's fine, but what the 1-series REALLY needs--better access to common shooting parameters like ISO and image quality-size. Thus:

*Bring over the "i-INFO" and 4-way/OK method from the D40-D5100 series of cameras for setting image quality/size, ISO, WB, AF-area mode etc

*Add a command dial

*Make the mode dial a REAL one (P-S-A-M-AUTO-Scenes-Movies)

*Allow the option for re-mapping the red-button to, say, ISO (you could still do movies via the mode dial anyway)

*Let Fn & i/INFO function as "green dot reset" (BIG mistake losing that on the D3000 & D3100 also by the way)

Those small changes would REALLY transform the 1-series for stills-enthusiasts who also use d-SLRs.

If you REALLY intend for the 1-series to be for enthusiasts like me who want a d-SLR-like experience in a smaller package, then please--quick access to common parameters. We're not all soccer moms & dads here, you know (no offense meant to those who are, seriously).

Nikon adapted their dominance in auto exposure that NAILs it every time, and fast auto-focus, to a wonderfully compact camera.That gives them a huge advantage over competitors.

Nikon's marketing campaign before Christmas was excellent. Together with that and Nikon's excellent brand prestige and brand loyalty the 1 System should sell well and profitably for Nikon.

But I anticipate that mirrorless cameras with APS-C sized sensors will offer considerably greater overall value.Fuji is already there with the X Pro 1.Canon's G1 X, while not interchangeable lens, perhaps implies a near future mirrorless Rebel class camera, with access to a a huge range of truly fast lenses.

1 System is definitely a top choice in small footprint interchangeable lens cameras today.But Nikon will really have to work hard to hold that edge over coming much larger sensor mirrorless cameras.

I find the Nikon 1 system quite exciting. The current models (J1/V1) don't do it for me, but the sensor development is interesting.

For a pocketable walk-around I've previously used Ricoh and Panasonic/Leica enthusiast compacts with ~1/1.7" sensors and fast glass. These worked well to a point, but the limits of their small sensors often frustrate on challenging shots.

Nikons new sensor format is a great size for a new enthusiast compact with fast glass and a decent zoom. Taking out the mount will allow a smaller package and give Nikon a more compact competitor to Canons new G1X.

So J1/V1 is not for me, but that's no reason to beat it up. Yamamoto said: 'we were very confident that there were customers out there who would gravitate towards the V1 and the J1', and kudos to Nikon for recognising it and going for it. I know several P&S users who have moved up to it and really love it. Also, the camera scores well here in DPRs User Review section (V1 mostly). No need to P in their soup!

It's always the same story in these comments. All the complaining about shallow DoF and what-not. People, nothing can do everything. Other people are not you. Different wishes, different needs. There are positives, there are negatives, Boo-hoo! Please just take the damn thing for what it is and agree or move on.

Fast lenses are fast lenses. If it is background separation you want, get a long one. Or here is an idea, NOT THE NIKON 1.

Many things are combined on the X-Pro1? It seems you didn't really get what i was saying. Does the X-Pro1 have phase detect AF, does it have a full frame sensor, does it have fish-eye, tilt-shift, superwide, tele lenses ? Can a beginner use it ? Is there a large DoF at basically every aperture ? Does it come in pink ? Is it compatible with a 60MP digital back ? And it better take my new XQD cards.

Mr.Yamamoto, I wish nikon can make the FT1 to work with AF-C mode. giving us the ability to use all our long lenses with Nikon 1, with AF-S and VR support, but with continous AF not being supported is quite strange I have to say.

I would not mind even if the AF-C support are restricted to lenses with constant f/4 or constant f/2.8 and brighter.

Dear Mr, Yamamoto, enough about toy cameras, where in the heck is the D800? And, people interested in this camera who "want a DSLR without the weight" are confused puppies because the J1 and V1 are not DSLRs. Most people willing to deal with interchangeable lenses can deal with a few more grams of weight. Once the "new" has worn off tiny IL systems, folks will refocus on DSLRs (unless you can stick an APS-C or FF chip in these things ie the flight back to quality). Oh and by the way, if you are concerned about weight, do something about the ridiculous weight of your Pro DSLRs and lenses.

"Oh and by the way, if you are concerned about weight, do something about the ridiculous weight of your Pro DSLRs and lenses."

Pro gear is pro gear. You don't put the amount of glass needed for a FF 300/2.8 into a plastic tube, and expect it to remain optically rigid and stable, nor do you bolt the result onto a plastic camera and expect it to hold up under day-in-and-day-out abuse.

Are you just running your mouth because you can? Who said anything about a specific lens but if you would like to produce your your lens making credentials, I'd love to see them. You obviously have limited experience with other brands, companies who manage to produce FF f2.8 lenses that are much lighter.

This comes from a Nikon user and fan: I don't care. Make a decent camera with a large (preferably full size) sensor then I will be listening. Sorry, but it's just my personal opinion. I don't care about how much technology Nikon can squeeze in a camera; I care about the image quality and 1 Series is all about software technology rather than good hardware.

I've seen samples. Just recently someone posted samples taken by the 1 Series, and I was very, very impressed by the first image most of all. And it turned out the first image was taken by the D700, while the rest were taken by the 1 Series.

If you care about Image Quality then you have more options than you can stand. What are you waiting for? You want a decent camera with a large sensor then buy a D4. My guess is that you meant to say that size of the system is important.... therein lies the challenge and Nikon has done something to solve this while others attempt to work around it. They will soon enough have to face the issue.

To make any impact these new lenses will need to 2 stops faster across the entire FL range than the current rubbish. We currently have shallowest DOF of ~ f/10 FF equivalent. So even 2 stops will still leave us f/5 FF equivalent, but that's not too bad. I'd hope they release a prime or two that are 3 stops faster too.

but the sensor are horrible tiny, under the great big sun, it should be fine, however, how many times you will see great light source with your photos? most of them are shoot under poor dim light situration, and the images will endup very noisy.

with the same price I can get a d3100 with a great lens like 35mm f1.8, and I can use any standard flash on the camera

This is all about context. If you are taking a small, light camera with a lens equivalent to 300mm that is only a few cm long, you accept some compromises.

Sure, you could take a Phase One MF camera into the club, but then you would'nt enjoy yourself and you'd be the "guy with the BIG camera". Most people do not want that.

ALL cameras are compromises. But given the balance required between AF speed / Small size / Accurate Exposure / ISO performance/ IQ, Nikon 1 offers a good compromise for many people. Probably a better compromise than most cameras on the market for similar money.

I'm not saying its perfect, no camera is. Nikon made mistakes in the design of the camera buttons and some mistakes with functionality.

But it does seem that owners of the 1 are genuinely thrilled with them. There seems to be little buyers remorse. Respected pros like Thom Hogan echo this view. They like the 1 much more than they expected to.

My experience as well, 1600 ISO gives very good results in poor artificial lighting, enough for good Q printing at 10x8" or even larger. Noise characteristic is also nice, grain-like. Of course, no D7000's performance there, but given that this camera can be carried along very easily, it's a nice compromise.

@ topstuff:Like I said, these would barely print 3x4" at the displayed size, so to get any idea how they would look at a more normal size, pixelpeeping reveals some more truths. And the examples shown highlight exactly one of the main weakness, relatively high shadows noise. Which is countered by high shadow NR. Not always an issue, but for hair such as here, I find the local smearing distracting.

Frankly, even 3200 ISO is very useable with Nikon 1, depending on surface of shadows. 1600 is "business as usual". I am one of those who are thrilled indoors and outdoors with the J1, for stills and HD video.

Pixel peeping is a curse. For any "normal" sharing, be it on line or A3 print (A2?), the Nikon 1 quality is plenty good enough. Maybe not at 3200 ISO for full pages in Vogue, but come on, is that what we "need"?

I am the lucky owner of a Leica M9 and top M lenses, and love that, but, in all honesty, the speed, size, weight, fun factor and combination of features of the J1 (incl HD video!) are pushing the M to the cupboard.

I leave home with 10mm on J1, in right jacket pocket, and a mini but great ultrasonic VR 30-110mm in left jacket pocket, and am covered for all opportunities I am likely to encounter.

Simple, clean, efficient and FUN.

Yamamoto's interview shows an exciting future as well. A small f1.4 30mm (85mm eq) or so is all I miss right now. For the mushy backgrounds.

I understand your way of thinking, but we have to learn to move on from that 'old school' train of thought regarding 'bigger sensor, better picture'. This is brand new technology. I can only imagine what the future holds for this new concept. Embrace it my friend. The first computer took up the space of a huge room. Now look how small they are.

But sensors alone don't make a low light camera. Even when mounted with the fastest native lens (10mm F2.8), it's still a stop or more behind an Oly mounted with a native F1.7 or F1.4 lens (let alone F0.95).

@ john: There is nothing "horribly tiny" about a 1-inch sensor, Sir. Now, a 1/4-inch or 1/3-inch sensor can indeed be considered tiny, maybe even horrible. Just not a healthy 1-inch diagonal size sensor.

Why, will you really be opening up your camera's guts all the time and measure the sensor size inside? Or just take photos and video with it instead?

“we are considering further reductions in size even for [our DSLR] camera”

I am hoping this means an F mount mirrorless body with a DX sensor.The theory for mirrorless cameras is that for a given sensor size they can be thinner, shorter, narrower, lighter and less expensive to manufacture. In that list of advantages only “thinner” requires a new mount. With the kit zoom normally sold with an entry level camera any DX sensor mirrorless camera is going to be pretty deep.

With the on chip PDAF auto focus system Nikon has I would still get fast autofocus with existing lenses, at least in good light. I really like the idea of a silent electronic shutter option too.

Such a camera that would not require me to support 2 separate camera systems, could act as a second body when I am traveling heavy with my SLR, have a complete array of lens available the day it was introduced and would be fully compatible with my flash and other accessories.

He says totally automatic AUTO-ISO makes sense for the target market, and I can see that, but only if you've got your flow-charts right in the first place. How many years will it take for major manufacturers to learn that which millions of users understood on day 1? Subjects sometimes move - durr. The staggering improvement in quality at higher ISOs in recent years seems to have gone unnoticed by the guy typing in the AUTO ISO code. It would have cost them zero to get this right, it's a basic coding error and could be fixed with a firmware update right now.

Agree, if they want auto ISO w/o options, they should have fixed lowest SS at 1/60 or at most 1/30s. That said, it's amazing how one can shoot at 1/8s with the V1 and get very sharp images. Even my wife has done it.

Fir static subjects, auto ISO works fine with the VR system. For moving subjects there is S mode. I don't think most consumers are that dumb they can't figure that out a lot more easily than they can figure out how to customise their auto-ISO options.

I had hoped the midrange zoom would have been at least f/2.8 or, if variable, to start at f/2 and end at f/4. That would have been nice. For primes, there are patents for a very fast 85mm equiv (f/1.2). Hope they do it soon. And a nice UWA zoom as well.

1.Sensor size is NOT everything. In the real world, people rarely print larger than A4. Plenty of people only view digitally perhaps using an ipad. The simple TRUTH of these situation is that larger sensors and therefore larger lenses and cameras are a waste of time for millions of people.

Someone talked into getting a NEX because "the sensor is larger and that is better" is wasting their time with a bigger lens and camera if they only print to A4 or look at the picture on a computer screen.

Nikon 1 delivers very good real world IQ.

2.Speed of operation and accurate AF and auto exposure is perhaps MORE important than IQ in a test lab. I have a NEX, and believe me the larger sensor is pointless if the pictures are out of focus because the camera cannot keep up with your kids. Nikon 1 does this better. Period.

3.Nikon really screwed up with the ISO function for beginners who dont know the work around.FIX IT!!

You're ignoring two properties as a result of sensor size that can also be clearly visible in smaller prints:- DR. The Nikon has lower DR at base ISO than even some smaller P&S sensors (G12, S100 etc.)- DOF control. With the smaller sensor and current native lineup, a Nikon V1/J1 is limited to up to 5 stops deeper DOF compared to say a NEX plus SEL 50mm F1.8.

Yeah, maybe. I accept the DOF point but I guess this can be helped by more and faster lenses to a limited degree. But hey, I would take the compromise of small camera and lenses , fast AF, in exchange for certain circumstances like holidays. Its a price worth paying.And as for DR, I am not sure I agree. In real world use, I am not sure the difference is great. I am looking right now at RAWS from a V1 and a NEX5N. Both look great. Both will print great. I dont see many problems with clipped highlights with the V1.

I also think the Nikon auto exposure is much "cleverer" than Sony. It seems to nail the exposure on auto with almost weird accuracy. :)

If you don't shoot RAW or don't use DRO like functions heavily, the DR differences might not be glaring, but once you start brightening (deeper) shadows, especially at lower ISO's, you'll notice a big difference. This also means that the technique of underexposing to preserve highlights in a very high DR scene and lifting shadows back in PP, becomes much more problematic for single exposures.

I agree with your point. I use m43, but I like this system much more than the Sony, because of the smaller size and the features.

IQ now is overkill in the digital world. I print at 8x10 most of the time, 4x6 occasionally, and 13x19 very occasionally, and I print much more than 99% of photographers. All modern cameras, even crappy point and shoots, do a decent job at 8x10.

What these manufacturers need to do now is offer features. That will differentiate one camera from another much more than subjective determinations of noise at 3200 ISO and their relationship to sensorship. I mean, c'mon, are you kidding me? I'm supposed to care about what some nerd pixel peeper thinks of my sensor size?

And I am so sick of hearing of "depth of field control". It is an advantage to have deep depth of field in many situations, without having to stop down the aperture and slow down the shutter speed. Bravo to Nikon, even though I haven't bought into this system yet.

Troj: for 99% of people that will use these camera, 11EV of DR is much more than they will be able to capture, and you still need RAW to do it properly (this is actually true for most dslr users as well). Re DOF, the factor from APS-C to Nikon 1 is 1.8, meaning that you need to divide both FL and f/number by 1.8 to get same DoF properties as APS-C. IMExp with APS-C, a portrait lens (85mm equiv) at f/2.8 already presents nice bokeh, thus one needs a 32mm f/1.6 for that, Nikon as a 32mm f/1.2 patent for CX mount. Now, again, most users of this camera won't know how to use aperture for proper bokeh control, but the difference is not so much from APS-C as you seem to think. Now, if you are really into DoF control, then FF is the way to go. ;)

Pretty much every camera displays less DR in jpegs than it can capture. That's not the point, the point is that the scene often exceeds the DR that even the camera can capture, let alone the jpegs. The camera *compresses* that DR, but if it can't capture it, there isn't much to compress. And features like ADL do exactly that, plus reveal shadow noise during the process of lifting shadows. So even for OOC jpegs it can be an issue.-As of now, there is up to 5 stops difference in DOF control with native lenses, that's a fact and it's massive. Often you hear the average consumer asking for faster AF for P&S cameras, but you also hear them ask for smooth bokeh, visual depth, the 3D effect or however they attempt to describe it. The latter is lacking in the current 1 system and its native lenses. That will undoubtly become less of a problem once faster lenses are brought to the market, but there's no firm release schedule for these fast primes, so that's more speculation at this point.

You both have a point. I think it's easier to sort things by determining which we value more....is it the IQ or just taking a nice shot. IQ is not really the point of this system. Yet, it still takes images which is not embarrassing to show. My preference is IQ in a compact camera.

Topstuff..A big sensor and fast glass does matter if you shoot in low light indoor, no flash. That is one of the reasons why a D3S will enable you to get far better images then any V1 or smaller sensor camera. In the real world some people do print bigger than A4. A big camera/sensor maybe a waste for some people, but some people that shoot weddings/low light/sporting events like myself, it's a must. The V1 wouldn't be able to do that. Don't characterize that most people don't need a big sensor. It's about using the right tool for the right job. If you want a camera to keep up with your kids, you will be using a decent DSLR with fast glass for the best results.

Beside the faster lenses and the few fixes he mentioned, what I wish for in the V2 is a standard hot shoe and more buttons, as well as a more ergonomically correct design and better grip. The J1/V1 are pure and simple the ugliest cameras I have ever seen and adding to that the poor usability is a really bad combination.

I actually prefer the custom hotshoe. I like the tiny SB-N5 flash. There's no way I'm going to put a full size flash like the SB600 on a V1. The flash is better than the camera. I wouldn't like that. I want some firmware updates to offer more customization and of course faster lenses. Beyond that, I like the V1 as is. I do hope they offer another version later that has more external controls. Simple things you always want quick access to.

Come on, micro 4/3 fanboys and girls. Get over it. The Nikon 1 (like many other manufacturers cameras out there) are a good solution for quite a few people. It may not be what YOU want, but if you can set your prejudices aside for a moment, you might realize the Nikon 1 has a lot to offer (even though it may not be what you decide to buy). Get over yourselves....geez. ;-) My V1 certainly seems to be making lots of great images. I don't find myself crying over the sale of my GH2. Not one bit. Some examples: http://www.openbloom.com/GEAR-Etc-1/Nikon-1-V1/19648888_Nn5D4F

It's just different markets, Nikon 1 not really in the same boat as m4/3. Also it's really immature system. For now it's just a good quality p/s. Why some m4/3 users might be offended is, Nikon 1 is in different category, but many of them hoped for new choices with similar features. Same what happened with Canon G1X, it was not what m4/3 crowd hoped for :)

I can not for my life understand why the MFT crowd wants to make every mirrorless camera into an MFT. It seems that they lack fantasy and imagination, and can not learn to live with the fact that somebody else can also make great mirrorless cameras without joining that MFT consortium. Those people should get out more and take more images, not just spend their time on this forum. The Nikon 1 system certainly has some weak points, but so does every other system as well, no matter who makes it.

There's no reason for ANYONE to be offended. I guess that's my point. It's just a camera. Either you like what it has to offer and you buy it...or you don't. Why people on discussion forums have to get so personal and make childish comments about competing brands is beyond me. Talk about the pros/cons of the system, sure....but just make drive-by "mine is better than yours" type of comments, no.

Out there in the minds of photographers is the ideal compact system camera. The ideal is a little different for everyone, but when a manufacturer finds the right middle ground then all the companies will copy it to death. m43 is close but not there yet. Nikon 1 has some of the missing pieces so is very tantalising, but further from the ideal than m43 in my opinion. NEX has the IQ but is slow and has limited lens selection. The Canon has IQ but no flexibility and is too big (for what it is).

So when I see a manufacturer do something that doesn't fit my ideal I feel like slapping them and saying nooooo, go this way, not over there with poor DR, no depth of field control or body too big. I think its a natural reaction and I mean no harm to those that love their G's, 1's, NEX's or m43's.

My guess is that when all the dust settles in a few years all the CSCs will be very close to ideal and we will be hard pressed to find differences between them. I just wish it didn't take this long.

All the big camera players got it right 30-40 years ago.It's time for consumers to stop buying a new half measured attempt at a camera every year, and show the current marketing driven manufacturers that second hand is better than the rubbish they are trying to feed us.

I agree, the Nikon 1 is a very good point and shoot replacement, EXCEPT the price is ridiculous. I went M4/3 GF3 and Leica F1.4 lens. It gives far better bokeh/depth of field than the V1 can, and after the holiday pricing it was actually less $$ than the V1.. These cameras don't replace DSLR for serious/pro work, the people that think that are just kidding themselves.

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